Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599XX and 599 GTB HGTE

Ferrari's top of the line production car, the 599 GTB Fiorano, is gaining two new variants this year, the HGTE (Handling GT Evoluzione) package and the 599 XX production racecar.

The HGTE package is a reworking of the 599's rolling stock and suspension, meant to increase responsiveness and handling limits for people who like to actually drive their Ferraris.  Suspension changes include stiffer spring rates as well as a larger rear anti-sway bar.  The Maranello magicians have fiddled with the settings on the magnetorheological shock absorbers to provide stiffer damping when the Manettino is in the race setting.

Other tweaks include recalibrated engine and transmission controls for even faster shifts in race mode, as well as faster throttle response.  20" split-spoke wheels, a matte-black rear diffuser, a louder exhaust (really?), and special seats embroided with "HGTE" round out the changes to this hotter 599.  I want one.  In other news, the Pope is a Catholic.

The other 599 derivative is a lot more hardcore.  Called the 599 XX, it's the replacement for the wild Enzo-based Ferrari FXX, an ultra-limited production track version of the Enzo sold only to Ferrari's most loyal customers.  It's part of a "client development" programme where the ultra-rich owners of these race-prepped Ferraris participate in Ferrari-sponsored track days and submit feedback on the development.  They also get the whole "racing a Ferrari" experience, which some say is priceless.

Anyway, the 599 XX is based on the road-going 599 GTB but incorporates the latest and greatest of Ferrari's racing technology.  The engine has gotten a thorough going-through, with reworked heads and combustion chambers, a new crankshaft, carbon fibre intake tracts,    Power jumps from 612 up to an even 700bhp at 9,000(!)rpm.

The gearbox has been tweaked to drop shift times down to 60 milliseconds (seems quick enough), as well.  Major changes occur in the area of electronics.  The 599 XX uses Ferrari's bespoke SCM active suspension setup, as well as a new system that measures data inputs from various sensors to adjust variable parameters in the car (suspension, transmission, engine) for maximum performance and predictability.  Neat.

The 599 XX had a thorough reworking in the aero tunnel, and produces a considerable 280kg of downforce at 200km/h, and 630kg of downforce at 300km/h, to stick the XX to the ground like it had Gorilla Glue tires.  What's neat is that the 599 XX has variable downforce - using the yaw sensors in the hubs, the 599 XX can add downforce or trim drag depending on the cornerning and downforce loads on the car.

Of course, like all modern supercars the 599 XX is made out of approximate 112% carbon fibre - body panels, brake pads, brake rotors, probably the seat belt buckles...  This is really just an abridged list of the changes to the 599 XX; hopefully you can see the depth of changes Ferrari's made to the car, from a superb road car to a monsterous track car.  There's no pricing data available, but it would certainly be in excess of a million dollars.  Considering the car will run the Fiorano test track 1:17, it seems like it'd be worth it.

images courtesy of AutoBlog.  Ferrari, where are the press photos?